But all doors closed for former Essendon and Geelong midfielder Brett Prismall, as the Western Bulldogs opted not to select him and instead chose Brett Goodes, the younger brother of Swans superstar Adam Goodes.

Kurt Tippett, right, and Shaun Burgoyne battle for a mark during last season's first preliminary final. Photo: Pat Scala

And Essendon chose not to punt on West Australian indigenous youngster Dayle Garlett, who had also been training with the Bombers after he was overlooked in last month's national draft because of disciplinary concerns. Essendon instead chose Victorian Will Hams.

The Bulldogs drew out the nerves a bit longer by passing with their No.2 pick in the pre-season, but chose Goodes, 28, who has played in the past two premierships with North Ballarat, with their No.4 pick in the rookie draft.

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Prismall and Goodes were effectively competing for one spot on the Bulldogs list.

Tippett, taken at No.11, will become a Swan despite not being eligible for the first 11 games of next season for his draft and salary cap breaches.

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Greater Western Sydney bolstered its defence by selecting former Carlton player Bret Thornton with the first pick of the pre-season draft.

But most clubs preferred not to use picks on new players, either by re-drafting or choosing to top up their lists from the rookie draft.

Fremantle re-drafted Jesse Crichton, the Giants re-drafted Dean Brogan and Adelaide picked up Nick Joyce, who was delisted before the national draft, at which stage the Crows were not allowed to cut Tippett.

Of the other untried players selected in the pre-season draft, Port Adelaide chose Sam Colquhoun and Fremantle went for fellow South Australian Jack Hannath.

In the rookie draft, several big men found themselves at new homes. Collingwood became a fourth club for veteran Ben Hudson, who is also the Magpies’ ruck coach, former Magpie Jonathon Ceglar joined Hawthorn and ex-Geelong big man Orren Stephenson became a Tiger.

Richmond added plenty of depth to its squad by also selecting former Essendon midfielder Sam Lonergan and ex-Melbourne forward Ricky Petterd.

Another ex-Demon, Jamie Bennell, found a new home at West Coast.

Sydney extended the family links of two players, by recruiting Xavier Richards, the brother of Ted, and Brandon Jack, the brother of Kieran.

Brisbane picked Jordon Bourke, the son of former Geelong and Lions big man Damian.